There is a corner of Brazil that is forgotten by all but the most knowledgeable travellers. In the top right of Brazil; we travel from Salvador to Belem and along the Amazon River. This wonderful journey allows you to unlock all the hidden gems of the area and to do so slowly, so that you really get to grips with the region. We will spend three days exploring the stunning lagoons and dunes of Lencois Maranhenses National Park and then have a couple of nights to chill on the beautiful beaches of Jericoacoara.

We will explore the cobbled streets of the Sao Luis, one of Brazil’s lesser known UNESCO world heritage sites and visit Belem, the most important port on the Amazon, with its great markets and museums. This is the city that became the gateway to the Amazon and the interior. But for most the highlight of this journey is the incomparable city of Salvador de Bahia with its amazing zest for life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Belem

Welcome to Belem! Today there is an important group meeting at 18:00hrs please meet at the Hotel reception. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy Belem.

Border information: If you are starting your trip in Belem, enter Brazil at Val De Cans Air port (IATA code BEL)

In Belem we stay in a comfortable Hotel

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Day 2: Belem

Today is yours to enjoy the port town of Belem, one of the first Portuguese settlements. Explore the historic centre which houses various museums and cathedrals and be sure to visit the Ver-o-Paso Market, considered the largest in South America, with its stalls scattered with Amazonian fish, baskets of Acai, herbs and crafts.

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Day 3: Sao Luis

Our first drive brings us to the UNESCO world heritage site of Sao Luis, the only city of Brazil to be founded by the French. Depending upon the ferry we may choose instead to spend the night in neighbouring Alc ntara.

In Sao Luis we stay in a local hotel.

Approximate Driving time: 574km / 10hrs (including a ferry journey)

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Day 4: Sao Luis

Sao Luis is full is interesting museums, the historic centre houses beautiful, pastel coloured colonial mansions. You can take a boat trip to the more laid back town of Alc ntara, you may spot the Scarlet ibis, or guar s on your way.

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Day 5: Barreirinhas

Today is the first day of our Lencois Maranhenses National Park trip; we will drive to the town of Barreirinhas and in the afternoon head out by 4WD to the lagoons, enjoy a swim and explore the dunes before returning to our hotel.

In Barreirinhas we will stay in a local hotel

Approximate Driving Time - 250km / 4 hrs

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Day 6: Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Today we will leave the truck behind and head out in motor boats through the Preguica River, to the protected area of Pequenos Lencois, along the way, we will visit a small fishing village, take a short walk to the lighthouse to enjoy views of the dunes and the Preguicas River.

In Atins we will spend the night in a small Pousada on a sand bank.

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Day 7: Lencois Maranhenses National Park

Today we will take a speed boat to Tatoia, stopping off at some dunes and islands of the famous Parnaiba Delta. Seen from the sky, the meeting point of the Rio Parnaiba and the Atlantic Ocean looks like a giant puzzle, made up of 85 tiny islands.

In the afternoon we will travel by 4WD to the town of Parnaiba, where we will stay in a local hotel and rejoin our Driver and Truck.

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Day 8: Jericoacoara

Today we drive to the laid back beach town of Jericoacoara, or 'Jeri' as it's affectionately known. Access to Jericoacoara is only by 4WD through unpaved tracks through the dunes, making it a wonderfully hard to reach place.

We will stay in a local Pousada

Approximate Drive Time - 250km / 3hrs

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Day 9: Jericoacoara

Jericoacoara is a magical place to spend some time; wander the sandy lanes, enjoy the sunset with a caipirinha on the dunes whilst the locals practise their Capoeira, head out on a quad bike adventure to remote lagoons where you can take a dip, laze in a hammock and enjoy a seafood lunch. Jeri is also one of the prime spots for surfing, windsurfing and kite surfing!

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Day 10: Canoa Quebrada

Drive day to the pretty seaside town of Canoa Quebrada.

In Canoa Quebrada we will stay in a local Pousada

Approximate Drive Time 450km / 8hrs

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Day 11: Canoa Quebrada

Huge pinkish sand dunes dominate the area of Canoa Quebrada, it's a fantastic spot to kick back and relax or for the more energetic, take an evening horseback ride along the beach or head out on a beach buggy. There's a laid back small town to explore too with lots of great cafes and bars.

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Day 12: Olinda

We have a full day drive to the stunning colonial gem of Olinda, considered one of Brazil s most important historic sites.

Approximate Driving Time 629km / 10hrs

In Olinda we will stay in a local Pousada

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Day 13: Olinda

Explore the beautiful town of Olinda, once known as 'small Lisbon' and the richest town in Brazil. Enjoy wandering the cobblestone streets, check out some of the exquisite churches and definitely make time for lunch at Alto de Se, to enjoy the views!

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Day 14: Aracaju

Today we head south along the coast, into the state of Bahia and to the town of Aracaju, where we can chill out in one of the town's seafront eateries, listen to some traditional forr music and enjoy the fresh crabs that the town is known for.

Approximate Driving time 510km / 8hrs

We will spend the night in a local Pousada

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Day 15: Salvador Da Bahia

This morning we will continue our journey south to Salvador, along the way we will make a stop at the Projeto Tamar - a research station involved in the protection of Brazil's five species of turtle, spanning 1000km in 9 of Brazil's states. The best time to visit is September to March when the spawning occurs.

Approximate Driving time 325km / 8hrs

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Day 16: Salvador Da Bahia

Today we have some free time to explore the energetic and vibrant city of Salvador, known around the world for its Carnival festivities. Salvador is home to over 300 churches, the historic centre is recognised by UNESCO and full of interesting architecture, brightly coloured buildings and cobblestone streets. It's an excellent place to witness the African culture in music and dance and enjoy some delicious street food.

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Day 17: Salvador Da Bahia

Today is the final day for passengers finishing their trip in Salvador. Please note there is no accommodation included on the trip tonight please contact your Sales Agent if you are interested in booking an extra night of accommodation or if you would like to join the journey south to Rio de Janeiro.

Border Information: if you are finishing your trip in Salvador, you will most likely exit Brazil at Deputado Lu s Eduardo Magalh es International Airport (IATA code: SSA)